Not Amorim, the surprising name that MU once targeted

MU once considered bringing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back before appointing Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim is under significant pressure at Manchester United after less than a year in charge, and new information reveals that the Red Devils' management had considered reuniting with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before choosing the Portuguese coach.

According to The Sun, before appointing Amorim to replace Ten Hag, Man Utd's leadership had contemplated the possibility of re-hiring Solskjaer. The Norwegian coach left Old Trafford in November 2021 after nearly three years in charge. Although his tenure ended imperfectly, he remains beloved by many fans and within the club for his contributions both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

During his playing career, Solskjaer scored 126 goals in 366 matches, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League. As a manager, he led the Red Devils to the Champions League quarter-finals and finished second in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season. Even upon his departure, the club's statement affirmed he “will always be a Manchester United legend” and “will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford.”

Amorim was appointed in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed just months after signing a new contract. At that time, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos group believed hiring a coach who had great success at Sporting Lisbon was a crucial turning point and a “major boost” for the club's rebuilding project. However, results on the field have yet to reflect the expected improvement.

In 49 matches managing MU, Amorim has only secured 18 wins. He endured a disappointing debut season with the team finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final. Without European competition this season, MU is focusing all efforts on domestic tournaments.

However, the shocking defeat to Grimsby Town, a League Two side, in the Carabao Cup combined with a shaky start in the Premier League has put Amorim’s position in serious jeopardy.

Currently, Solskjaer remains a free agent after being dismissed by Besiktas in August, just seven months after taking charge of the Turkish club. His recent presence in Manchester has fueled speculation about a possible reunion. Although Man Utd denies seeking a replacement for Amorim, experts believe Solskjaer would not decline if his “family” club approached him.

In a statement at last year’s Oslo Business Forum, Solskjaer emphasized: “If the family (Man Utd) needs me, I would say ‘yes’ any day of the week. It’s not right to discuss someone else’s job, but for United, I would definitely accept.”

At present, Amorim still has a chance to turn things around, but the upcoming match against Sunderland this weekend is seen as a crucial turning point for his future.